St Helena Bay

St Helena Bay, known as 'Die Agterbaai', was first visited by Vasco da Gama in 1497. It's now a major fishing hub, home to the Lucky Star cannery, and benefits from nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela current. The town also has a growing tourism sector, especially around Shelley Point.

Located 150 km from Cape Town, it is accessible by road and air, with further road upgrades underway. St Helena Bay is classified as a small town and regional growth point, playing a key role in fishing, tourism, and residential development.

The settlement has a scattered coastal layout, with various nodes such as Laingville and Shelley Point. It faces challenges including  odours from industrial uses (fish factories), seasonal employment, environmental risks, and limited services. However, it has strong potential in fishing, ecotourism, and future development on vacant land.